Skip to Main Content

Consumer Support Agencies - Financial Regulation

Legal Assistance and Financial Counseling

Maryland has many nonprofit agencies that directly assist consumers who are in need of legal or financial advice related to credit, debt, loans, or other financial products. The resources listed below can assist consumers with finding legal services and financial counseling near them. Please note that our Office is not directly affiliated with these organizations.

  • Maryland Homeowner Assistance Hotline: 1-877-462-7555
    The Maryland Homeowner Assistance hotline provides referrals to local nonprofit agencies that help Maryland residents who are at-risk of foreclosure or eviction. The hotline and housing counseling and legal services network is supported by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
     
  • Maryland Courts Self-Help Center: 410-260-1392
    The Maryland Courts Self-Help Center offers free legal help in civil (non-criminal) cases for individuals who do not have a lawyer. Assistance is provided in-person, over the phone, or via online chat.
     
  • Maryland Legal Services – Find Legal Help
    The Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) has an online legal services directory of MLSC-supported organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services for civil (non-criminal) matters, including help with debt collection lawsuits, foreclosure cases, bankruptcy, consumer fraud and exploitation, and more. Please be aware that these agencies may have income eligibility guidelines.
     
  • 2-1-1 Maryland: 211
    2-1-1 Maryland is a statewide online and telephonic (dial 211) resource that connects citizens to a variety of services, including legal and tax services, housing and shelter, utility assistance, and many other social support and health resources.

Federal Government Consumer Resources

Federal agencies that regulate the financial services industry have useful, consumer-friendly information on their websites, covering topics such as credit, loans, debt, budgeting, avoiding scams, and planning for major life events like buying a home, paying for college, or planning for retirement.